Listen

I loved this book! From the haunting first chapter, where we witness a woman committing suicide, the author pulls the reader in and doesn't loosen his grasp. This is a mystery novel with a psychological twist. Someone's posting private conversations on a website specific to small-town Marlon, and the town is at arms with each other. The plot kept me guessing who was behind the website almost until the very end, though I had my suspicions and I'm sure more clever readers will be able to solve the mystery sooner.
The ending brought tears to my eyes, the way the culprit confessed and the sentencing. The book does contain kidnapping, suicide, and animal murder, so stay away if those topics are too triggering to you. Otherwise, hurry over to show more Amazon and download your copy of Listen today! show less

Felt almost like an allegory. Each character was both realistic and also a caricature. Some important ideas about the power of words and bullying but a little heavy handed and some of the plot turns didn't make a lot of sense

This story has an interesting premise and looks at the power of our words. In the small town of Marlo, citizens are suddenly finding their private conversations on the Internet for the world to read.

I quite enjoyed this book even though the characters were a bit two dimensional there was enough in the storyline to keep me reading. I guessed fairly early on who the creator of the website was but it was interesting seeing how the people of Marlo reacted when their private words became public. "Listen" reinforces the fact that we should listen more and talk less, and that our words can hurt and damage as easily as they can praise and comfort. An enjoyable read.

I loved the plot - people having conversations in the privacy of their own homes that mysteriously end up - verbatim - on a website. The characters were interesting and well developed and there were lessons to be learned from the story - watch what you say and don't judge too quickly.I think the mystery of who was behind the website was much too easy to solve. It seemed obvious to me from the beginning, yet the people who I thought would easily catch on seemed to be the most oblivious. It was almost frustrating.The end of the mystery was almost confusing - there was so much going on that you almost missed it. I really enjoyed Gutteridge's book, Never the Bride, but the writing style that I came to appreciate in that story was sorely show more lacking in Listen.Overall, an enjoyable read that I would recommend. Would love to hear if you figure out "whodunnit" as quickly as I did. show less

This was a great book. It really got me thinking about what I say and how it affects the world around me.

What can gossip do to a town? Murder, abuse, separation, new friends, new enemies....
And what happens when it hits home?
Couldn't put this thought-provoker down.

Thank you to Tyndale House for providing my copy of this engrossing book.
"Sticks and stones may hurt my bones, but names will never hurt me." So goes the old childhood rhyme, but we all know that some of the most painful experiences happen when words are thoughtlessly spoken. This novel caused me to consider what I say and whether or not I'd like my private conversations to be published on the web.
What happens to the Underwood family as they become intertwined in this unusual mystery of who is writing--word for word!--private conversations of the good people from the little town of Marlo? Discovering the solution makes for an interesting and somewhat surprising read.
I recommend this one especially for anyone who likes crossword puzzles show more or who has teens in their family. My teens are grown, and I've never developed a fondness for crossword puzzles, but I liked it too, so give it a try. You may enjoy it as much as I did!
Thought provoking Discussion Questions are found at the end of the novel. show less